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Friday, May 25, 2012

This is an older picture now, but I just love this tender moment where Paige really wanted to "read" to her little brother. They were alone together in the family room and I had to get all camera crazy and interrupt. Hey, it's what I do.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Lately, when things have gotten chaotic around here I notice that I get very snappy and annoyed at the kids. I start to sweat the small stuff when I know better. It's easy to slip into that negative mode, isn't it? When the days can wear you down and you just want a break or breather. A little more space to enjoy. I want to enjoy my kids while they are little. I want to sit down to a meal and not yell through half of it over one thing or another.
When we choose to let certain things go; to decide they are not really a big deal after all, a space for joy opens up. For a little while, dinner time had started to become a real pain. Paige would whine and fuss about her food, or she'd take an hour to eat (and only pick at her food), or she'd just not eat and would complain instead. I was constantly on her case..."you need to eat!" "a few more bites!" "Hurry it up, dinner is almost over!" "Paige! Stop playing with your elbow and eat!" "Do you hear me?" "Are you listening?" and so forth.
I finally decided that I want to enjoy my meals and stop getting stomach aches during dinner. So, I made the choice to stop caring whether Paige ate her dinner or not. I had to act like I could care less. And you know what? I started having more fun at dinner and it became enjoyable again. If she didn't eat, she just ate a bigger breakfast the next morning. By not nagging, she began to stop complaining and whining as much and it makes dinner time so much more enjoyable. It can be easy to nag, nag, nag and I have to catch myself often. But it's worth it to just "let it go." I want to enjoy our time together; to savor the little moments .
We now all eat dinner together in peace. Paige will say funny things or she will answer our questions about preschool that day. We laugh together and she's learning all about proper table manners. Even Noah is now sitting with us in his high chair, even if he's not eating. He'll check out his toys and he seems to enjoy just being with us. It's nice. I'm glad I gave up the food battle. Ironically, she eats better now. Of course.

There are other ways in our lives with little ones that we could perhaps let things go a bit for the sake of our stress levels...for example: potty training struggles (we aren't pressing it), toy cleanup issues (we only leave some out, and the rest are easy for her to clean thanks to baskets), mess-making (we only do messy activities under close supervision when she can get my full attention), etc. Even without children, there are always areas of life where we can choose joy over fretting. Is there an area in your life that would be much happier and simpler if you just "let go?" Stop asking "Why do I do this to myself?" and just stop. You'll be glad you did!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

We've lived in our house for almost exactly 7 years and haven't done anything yet to make it "ours." The house was only 2 years old when we bought it and all the choices and window treatments are from the previous owners. We're finally getting around to making some changes around here, so as we go ahead I'll be sure to show you some before and afters.
I hated these brass-colored candle light fixture thingies over the mantle. Barf. They are fine for someone else; just not for me. (Don't you also love all the random crap we threw on the mantle? It's mostly sticker books that I don't want Paige going nutzo with when I'm not looking.)
So, we got some polished nickel sconces at Home Depot for about 40 bucks apiece and Chris installed them pretty quickly. They are also on a dimmer switch which is nice to still have. Ahh, much better. I need to find a new big thing to put on our mantle. I'm not loving the painting anymore. Hmmm. I welcome your thoughts on that...I'm looking for something large, more interesting and more meaningful.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Last week, Noah got his first taste of solids (Rice Cereal to be exact). It's more for him to practice using his mouth with a spoon and swallowing than it is to taste the food. It's pretty gross and I don't blame him for his lack of excitement over the whole thing! He's to try it once per day for the next little while as he gets the hang of it. Maybe I'll try to feed him something a little bit tastier; I feel bad for the fella.

On Sunday, Noah also had another first: Rolling over from his back to belly! He's been trying for a while now, but he finally got it! And I got the camera just in time to catch the finish of his big roll. I didn't think he'd be able to do it; and then there he was looking up at me! So, 2 more firsts are checked off as he grows. sigh. I wish I could keep you little, my little snuggle bear.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Hi friends!
The past several months have been so heart-warming and wonderful. Alternately, there have been many challenging moments filled with frustration and exhaustion. Being a stay-at-home mother to a three-year-old and an infant can be a physical and emotional tornado (as most people can understand). Being home all day, without the trappings of "water-cooler chat" at the office or lunch breaks with fun co-workers can be very isolating and lonely. Your sense of autonomy is easily vanquished and you start to forget the last time you had a funny conversation with a friend or came up with your own witty tidbits to make a peer laugh. It's easy to get tired and fall into a bit of a slump. But, in times like this, I take heart knowing that I am living up to my potential as best I can in this role I've been blessed with. Sometimes things aren't always how I want them or would like them to be but I know I am fulfilling my duties in this season of my life with as much humor, wit, and graciousness as I can. I am grateful. I am honored. When days are long and I'm feeling sloppy (and it's day 4 or wearing some version of sweatpants and a formula-dribbled t-shirt) I like to remind myself about staying positive and grateful. A trick I use? I tell myself "I get to." For example, instead of saying "I have to get up and feed the baby," I say "I GET to get up and feed the baby." It works on many levels and conditions and ALWAYS forces me to turn things around by adding more spring to my step.
I have to go to the grocery store......I GET to go to the grocery store
I have to clean the kitchen...............I GET to clean the kitchen
I have to change the diaper..............I GET to change the diaper
I have to go to work.........................I GET to go to work (for those that do)
I have to make lunch for the kids....I GET to make lunch for the kids

It's a simple little trick that doesn't seem like much, but makes a big impact when it's practiced. I'm no expert at it yet, but I'm trying and I believe it will become second nature before long. See how it can change your day; see if it doesn't give you just a little lift too.

Here's a tender moment of Paige shampooing her brother's hair. One of life's rewarding moments to witness.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I wanted to tell you about our Mother's Day! Chris took all Noah's feedings during the night and day. I got to sleep in until 8:30 in the morning! Heaven! Then, the fam brought me breakfast in bed. Heaven 2.0! After some fun gift time, we went over to a local farm/hiking place and saw some animals. And then, we headed over to the local ice cream mecca and enjoyed some treats and Paige had her very first pony ride. Follow all that up with me having time to myself in the afternoon and it was a perfect day! Score! I hope all you who plan to be Moms, are pregnant, or already ARE Moms had a great Mother's Day. I know I did!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Today you are 4 months old. As you may know, I have not tired of snuggling your squishy chubby little body. I'm addicted to you and your smiles and coos. I cannot get enough! You continue to be a beacon of complete peace and contentment. You are so happy to sit with us and smile. What more is there? You are always game to go anywhere; as long as you have a comfy place to sit and watch the happenings. You also continue to sleep well at night; usually waking once to eat. You never fuss or cry or complain about things...where did this personality come from? Not from me, that's for sure! I guess you're more like your Dad even though you look a lot like me.
A new thing that has happened this month--you have started laughing. You burst into laughter whenever we tickle you or even just take your shirt off. Such a ticklish little fella! Today, a gust of wind came up and you laughed even at that. You smile pretty much all the time. What fun it is.
You really remind me of life's small joys. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day grind; you've reminded me that it's important to put the focus back on the blessings of the simple and small. Thank you for that! I love you more than life, my precious boy.
Now come gimme another snuggle!
Love you always and forever,
Mama
*update* You were 26.5 inches long at your 4 month checkup. You weighed 17 lbs, 13 oz. 95th and 91st percentile! You're a big healthy boy, that's for sure. No wonder my back hurts! :)

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Today is Mother's Day and I wanted to take this chance to tell you that it's been such an honor to mother you. Being with you is my greatest joy. Watching you thrive has been and will continue to be my life's greatest achievement. I love you both more than anything...that love knows no bounds and will stretch into eternity. They say that nothing lasts forever; but my love knows differently.
I love you always,
Mama

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Yesterday was a huge milestone for Paige--her first day of preschool!
And it went excellently. We'd prepared her for a few weeks; letting her know that she'd "go on the bus by herself" and head off to preschool to meet her teacher who'd be waiting at the bus area. We got to go in last week to meet her teacher and play in the class for an hour. That really helped her know what to expect and got her very excited to go back. (I loved it there! And her teacher is so awesome!) So, yesterday, once she got her coat and backpack on she was psyched to go! She ran right up onto the bus and the driver strapped her into the carseat. I told her to have a great day and I would see her very soon when the bus brought her back. She said "bye bye Mammeeee! See you soon!" I ran up to the porch and watched the bus back out of the driveway as she stared out the window at me. I waved and blew her a kiss through tears while she started to wave back.
I don't really know what happened at school since she can't quite articulate all the activities of the day yet, but she seemed bright and happy when she got home. We then had lunch and she had her nap...a looooong nap. Her teacher called me right away in the morning to let me know she got in ok and that she'd settled right in to the day's activities without a problem. Phew! Looks like we're in for a successful school time!
It was hard to say goodbye to my baby and send her off on the bus, but I'm also very happy for her. She's having quite the adventure! And I got some time in the morning to get chores done (and have a slice of leisure time while Noah napped).
She will go 4 days per week (Mon-Thurs) all mornings. 2 of the days will be the full class and 2 of the days will be spent in a small class setting so she can work on social skills and such. I have to get used to having her gone for half of the day; it's too soon! It's too soon!!!! sigh